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FILE: MMD Dr Nevers and HH
United Party for National Development (UPND) has said that they are calling for a live TV debate between presidential candidates so that citizens are given the opportunity to evaluate the contenders and their policies in a transparent and open format, where they must stand on their own merit and cannot hide behind colleagues or offices of state.
According to the statement released to the media, UPND said that Debates are now internationally well recognised forums of determining a candidate’s capability to understand and implement vision. A leader who cannot articulate the issues and his or her plan for the country cannot be expected to deliver them.
The statement further read that during the campaign period the PF has unashamedly and repeatedly used its position to put pressure on media not to cover the opposition, whether this is through cancellation of scheduled interviews, censorship of adverts, or violent threats made against journalists.
The uneven and biased nature of coverage has been highlighted by various independent organisations. Just last week MISA calculated the large gap between PF and UPND coverage in volume and tone, for example on ZNBC TV1 the PF gets well over half of the coverage compared to 12% for the UPND. To add insult to injury the majority of UPND coverage is negative in tone. Last week the International Press Institute (IPI) and the African Media Initiative (AMI) also expressed serious concern about growing political interference in the media.
The statement ended by saying that a live TV debate would present an opportunity for Zambians to make up their own minds about who they want to see in control at State House. We therefore call on President Edgar Lungu to step up to the plate and commit to a debate in the best interests of the country.
The Council of Elders of the Zambia Elections Information Centre (ZEIC) has said that it is concerned with the apparent selective application of the Public Order Act by the Zambia Police Service which appears to have skewed the environment in the campaigns for the August 11 elections.
In a statement released to the media yesterday, said that the the application of the Public Order Act is largely seen as selective and unfair, and affecting the playfield, adding that a credible election begins with free and fair campaigns, on a level playfield
Below is the full statement
Press statement by the ZEIC Council of Elders
Lusaka, 17 July 2016: The Council of Elders of the Zambia Elections Information Centre (ZEIC) is concerned with the apparent selective application of the Public Order Act by the Zambia Police Service which appears to have skewed the environment in the campaigns for the August 11 elections.
Currently, the application of the Public Order Act is largely seen as selective and unfair, and affecting the playfield. A credible election begins with free and fair campaigns, on a level playfield.
Through the ZEIC platforms, the council has received numerous concerns from the citizens on this matter. Citizens do not want a situation where during this campaign period, some contenders are seen to be more equal than others, as we read in the famous story of the animal farm. For this election to be credible, we demand that the Police immediately put in place measures to make it conducive for all contesting political parties to campaign freely and fairly.
We commend the Electoral Commission of Zambia for putting in place measures to arrest the growing violence. However, we urge the Commission to avoid implementing measures that border on infringement of civil and political rights of the citizens to effectively participate in campaigns.
This is a very sensitive period in our country that requires all of us to be responsible, to preserve the peace and tranquillity that our nation is known for. It is the role of the ECZ and the Police to ensure that the right mechanisms are in place to prevent violence and to ensure that the campaigns are conducted in a free and fair manner. We call on the Police to make every effort to protect the rights of all citizens to assemble, and not to shamelessly hinder the enjoyment of such rights as we have experienced recently.
The Council of Elders also recognises that political players have a responsibility in controlling and preventing violence, we urge them to support the efforts of the Police and the ECZ in ensuring free and fair campaign season.
Issued by Fr. Leonard Chiti, Chairperson of the ZEIC Council of Elders
Members of the Council of Elders: Dr Anna Chifungula, Mama Chibesa Kankasa, Mr Simon Zukas
CYCLISTS at the stating point of Choova Bicycle Race in Chipata
SPORTS Minister Vincent Mwale says Choova Bicycle Race will remain supported by the Government.
The minister said when he officiated at this year’s Choova Bicycle Race held in Chipata yesterday that the ministry of youth, sport and child development would continue collaboration with diverse stakeholders and partners to ensure that Choova was developed to international levels such as Tour de-France.
Mwale said in a speech read on his behalf by assistant secretary Royd Tembo that Choova was unique because it was attracting both the tourists and local people.
The minister said sport such as Choova was providing the communities with the much needed entertainment and keeps the young people out of unproductive activities.
He said Choova was good because it was refraining youths from indulging into vices such as been drinking and prostitution among others.
“In this regard Choova as a well thought community sport initiative will remain supported by the Government through the ministry of youth, sport and child development,” he said.
Mwale said President Edgar Lungu led-Government would endeavor to create policy environment to encourage community participation in sport to empower people in the country socially and economically.
He paid tribute to the organisers of Choova for the tireless efforts in making this year’s Choova a successful amidst many challenges during the preparations.
Speaking earlier, Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) Chipata station manager Stainley Mwanza warned cyclists to be careful when they were cycling their bicycles by following up the rules and regulation on the road to avoid accidents.
He said RTSA was gratified that it was part and parcel of the successful Choova which he said was part of raising awareness amongst the cyclists.
Mwanza said the major reasons for targeting the cyclists was because Chipata was relying on bicycles as a source of transport.
Choova was basically a community event that begun in 2002 by the Patel family.
Meanwhile, in a 52.2 kilometres race for men, Eliab Ngoma became victorious and walked home with big ‘tyred’ mountain bike and was trailed by Maliseni Phiri who got a plasma television set.
Some winners in the women and people living with disabilities categories walked home with different prizes.
PORTS Minister Vincent Mwale (green sweater),assistant secretary Royd Tembo (in black cap) and provincial sports coordinator Rhoda Goma during Choova Bicycle race in Chipata yesterday.This was at the starting point of 52.2 kilometres racePORTS Minister Vincent Mwale (green sweater),assistant secretary Royd Tembo (in black cap) and provincial sports coordinator Rhoda Goma during Choova Bicycle race in Chipata yesterday.This was at the starting point of 52.2 kilometres racePORTS Minister Vincent Mwale (green sweater),assistant secretary Royd Tembo (in black cap) and provincial sports coordinator Rhoda Goma during Choova Bicycle race in Chipata yesterday.This was at the starting point of 52.2 kilometres race
File:UPND leader Halainde Hichilema addresses Bauleni residentsUPND presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema this weekend started his tour of Southern Province, visiting Moomba, Siavonga and Chirundu for rallies.
Mr. Hichilema explained the UPND’s 10 Point Plan to the people and how it would deliver on the party’s vision of a united, prosperous and equitable Zambia. In particular he stressed the importance of investing in our people through education:
“When I am here in Southern Province I often think of my early days, I think of the journey I took to school each day and how fortunate I was to be able to go even though I was just coming barefoot from the village.
With food prices increasing, profits for farmers squeezed by expensive fertiliser and seed and job losses resulting from load shedding and difficult business environment, there are many families not able to fully support their children through school today. This should be considered a national tragedy. Each one of those children has something to contribute to the future of our nation. It is government’s responsibility to make sure they are empowered to realise their potential.”
The UPND leader also spoke of his love for farming and his desire to see the agriculture sector take centre stage under a UPND programme of economic diversification:
“Under the PF it has been difficult for our farmers to plan ahead of time and produce for both home and market because of the late delivery of inputs and the increased cost of fertiliser and seed. UPND can end these uncertainties because we have a plan for when we take office and we have already been having conversations on how we can lower the price of inputs such as fertiliser. We are ready to negotiate contracts free from corruption and for the benefit of our farmers, because without our farmers there would be no food.”
Mr. Hichilema will continue his tour of Southern Province tomorrow, with the team stopping at Chikankata, Magoya and Mazabuka.
And Yesterday morning, morning UPND President Hakainde Hichilema arrived in Chikankata, Southern Province.
Speaking at a public rally held at Chikankata High school this afternoon, Mr. Hichilema said that once in office he will not spend time harassing and name calling the opposition, but will instead be fully focused on delivering the UPND 10 Point Plan. Mr. Hichilema pledged to spend his time working to fulfill his promises, such as lowering the price of mealie meal and lowering the cost of living.
The UPND President and his team continued to spread this message in Mazabuka & Magoye. Upon arrival, Mr. Hichilema called on the people to vote for him and his vision of an equitable, prosperous and united Zambia. He said that top of his agenda will be lowering the cost of living, job creation, and securing access to quality healthcare and education for all.
The UPND leader was accompanied by Edward Mumba and UDF alliance partner member Rachel Chileshe as well as the UPND Mazabuka Central constituency candidate Gary Nkombo, who all spoke strongly on the need for change of leadership.
HH reminded Southern Province residents that Zambia has an opportunity on 11 August 2016 to choose between the continuation of poverty under PF or to vote for change and economic emancipation under his leadership.
Kasama diocese Archbishop Ignatius ChamaTHE CATHOLIC Bishops have urged all the politicians across the political divide to make every effort in ensuring an effective way of cadre management and to immediately tone down their confrontational rhetoric.
In a pastoral letter issued by Zambia Conference Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) and read by Kasama Diocese Archbishop Ignatius Chama at the 125 years of Catholicism in Zambia held at St Annes Cathedral Parish,the prelates said Zambians were expecting the politicians to focus on key governance and developmental issues that would help the electorate to make informed decisions.
“Democracy requires in the first place that all citizens exercise their right to vote in a free and peaceful environments.Much as we are proudly acclaimed for being a peaceful country,we should never talk things for granted,”the bishops demanded.
They stated that given the increasing incidents of politically motivated violence and continued tension between members of the political parties,the record of being peaceful was increasingly being threatened.
They stated that bishops were afraid that if the current spate of violence was not cured may have a serious impact on the voter turnout as many eligible voters might fear going to vote due to security concerns.
“As we have often noted,the free will of the people in the hallmark of the any credible election.We must therefore pay particular attention to key aspects that can enhance or reduce and even negate the credibility of the forthcoming elections.Some of the key conditions for any elections to be peaceful,credible and transparent include peaceful atmosphere,”the bishops said.
They stated that it was the duty of the police to protect life and property and also maintain law and order in the country.
The bishops called upon the Zambia Police Service to perform their duties of maintaining law and order professionally and effectively without undue pressure from partisan influence.
They indicated that the police must be impartial in applying the law fairly to anyone who breaks the laws of the country.
They called on the police to implement the public order act in the most appropriate manner by ensuring that they do not exercise any inconsistencies or biases when dealing with different groups of peaople for any alleged offences or when political parties have provided notices for holding of their public meetings and political rallies.
The bishops further called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) not to be seen to be an institution that was being manipulated to suit the interest of one group or political party.
They said ECZ commissioners and staffs must remain resolute and professionally conduct their business in providing the neccesary mechanisms in the electoral process that would guarantee free and fair elections.
The bishops said the ECZ officers must remember that the Lod demands fairness in every business deal in which He sets the standarda according to Proverbs 16 versus 11.
“The ECZ is the legally constituted body mandated to manage our elections in such a manner that the right of the people to choose their leaders is unfettered.Given the many pressures exerted on the ECZ by various interest groups during election,there is need for high levels of integrity by the ECZ officers,”the bishops said.
On the media,the bishops said the role of the media in the electoral process cannot be over emphasised because it had the duty to cover all players in the electoral process.
They indicated that all players in the electoral process need access to mass media to propagate their agendas and programmes in a more efficient way.
The bishops said an impartial media that would treat every player equally was cardinal and urged the both the public and private media to adhere to the principle and ethics of fairness as well as truthful.
They urged the public media to be professional to ensure full and fair coverage of all political parties .
The bishops also called on the responsible use and reception of social media stating that all the consumers of the media outlets to be critical of the messages they receive from various media because it was not everything that they read,hear or watch to contain the truth especially the information they get from the social media.
The bishops also said the Catholic Church does not and would not support or prop up a particular political party or candidate.
They stated that chosing was the free cthoice its leaves to the flocks charging that the church embracew members from diverse political persuasions and jealously protects their freedom of association.
They said based on the Christian principles,the Church could provide some guidance that could help its members make informed choices among the many candidates and political parties that present themselves for election.
“Drawing from the social teaching of the church,the qualities that candidates for political office should have professional competence on political,economic and social programmes,courage to speak out the truth,concern for social justice,desire to work for the common good instead of self enrichment,disposition to use power for service especially service of the poor and under privileged,openess to dialogue,good moral standing,transparency and accountability to the electorate,”the bishops said.
They stated tgat all Christians have a moral responsbility to vote for candidates who follow the example of Jesus who came not to be served but to serve and who emptied himself for the good of all.
The bishops said Christians should not vote for candidates who were arrognant with a propensity to use violence,people with questionable moral standings,those with proven record of corruption and abuse of power and public resourcee and those who put narrow sectarian or ethnic interest before national interest and the common good.
They appealed to the Catholic priests to remain non partisan stating that it was morally wrong for the Catholic priests to use the pulpit to campaign for or decampaign any political party or parties.
The bishops said the Catholic politicians must celebrate mass without being given platform to speak during liturgical celebrations.
On referendum,the bishops said there was imperative that more effort was made by both the Government and Non Governmental Organisations actors including the church to educate the people on the forthcoming elections and counsel them to vote wisely without coercing them to vote either yes or no.
They statee that little has been done by concerned Government bodies to popularise the new and expanded draft on the Bill of Rights.
The bishops called on all Zambians who have registered as voters to turn up and cast their votes during the voting day.
They said voting was not only a right but also a duty to the country to help identify and put in place credible people who would make the state function in promotion of the common good.
They appealed to Zambians never to get tired of voting as apathy would only give greater chance to opportunists to carry the day.
They stated that voting was one of the fundamental rights and duties of every citizen and appealed to all Zambians not to be cheated and bribed during the elections.
The letter was signed by Lusaka Diocese Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu,Archbishop Chama,Ndola Diocese Bishop Alick Banda,Livingstone Apostolic adminstrator Bishop Raymond Mpezele,Chipata Diocese Bishop George Lungu,Solwezi Diocese Bishop Charles Kasonde,Mongu Diocese Bishop Evans Chinyemba,Kabwe Diocese Bishop Clement Mulenga,Mansa Diocese Bishop Patrick Chisanga,Monze Diocese Bishop Moses Hamungole,Mpika Diocese Bishop Justin Mulenga,Chipata Diocese Auxiliary Bishop Benjamin Phiri,Bishop Emeritus of Mansa Diocese Aaron Chisha and Bishop elect of Livingstone Monsignor Valentine Kalumba.
FILE: President Edgar Lungu with Kalusha Bwalya Celebrates Zambia First Goal in Ndola -/Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/statehouse.
The Patriotic Front Media Team has released a statement saying that Kalusha Bwalya also known as “The Great Kalu” has placed his full weight behind President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and his Patriotic Front (PF) ticket which he has described as “The Winning Team” ahead of the crucial polls set for August 11.
The African Footballer of the Year of the year also fondly known for wining Zambia its first and only ever grandiose Africa Cup Title in 2012 has appealed to Zambians to support President Lungu by turning up in huge numbers to vote for him.
“In soccer we say ‘you do not change the winning team,” Mr Bwalya said, “President Edgar Lungu has shown true leadership qualities, his humility for instance is too humbling and it makes him approachable to many Zambians…that is what we need in a leader instead of arrogance and contempt towards ordinary people. President Lungu ‘walks the walk and talks the talk’.”
Mr Bwalya said, as a soccer administrator, he has “never worked with a better President than President Edgar Lungu and I mean no disrespect for his predecessor. President Lungu is just special in the way he treated and continues to treat the boys. He is their greatest confidence booster.”
This is the first time Bwalya, the long serving former Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President, Chipolopolo Captain and probably the most prolific goal thief Zambia has ever had has openly made what can ostensibly be called a political statement.
“I (Kalusha Bwalya) like to steer clear off politics completely but my personal knowledge of President Lungu has made it extremely easy for me to publicly state that I support him and I beseech all right thinking Zambians to back him fully because he is a tested leader, a humble leader and a tenacious President who means good for this country. Please vote for him,” Mr Bwalya said.
The Presidential race ticket, on a national level, is crowded with about a dozen aspirants including President Edgar Lungu but Mr Bwalya said, “I humbly think I know how to pick a Winner and out of that crowded space, President Lungu makes the most sense President Lungu makes it beyond the finish line without a foul in my experienced view is a person who has been privileged enough to pick a winning team before.”
The Great Kalu endorsement has been welcomed by others such as Mr Given Lubinda, the Agriculture Minister who is also a key member of the PF Campaign Team,
“Mr Kalusha Bwalya, the most known person outside Zambia aside from probably Dr Kenneth Kaunda and President Lungu himself has a huge and massive constituency as a man who won Zambia its first ever Africa Cup,” Mr Lubinda said, “his decision to back the Lungu candidature is a decision that must be taken seriously by all Zambians because The Great Kalu has a history of winning and picking Winners.”
Mr Lubinda said what makes the Kalusha endorsement doubly important is the fact that the soccer maestro—Soccer is probably the biggest ‘religion’ in Zambia after Christianity—is an independent person not looking for a job in government or indeed seeking government favour.
Mr Bwalya said President Lungu and his PF team have embarked on a path of development that shall help create jobs as they roll out roads, hospitals, schools and railway lines.
“The infrastructure roll out in my view is a winner for President Lungu because the results benefit everyone including those opposed to him because they have to drive on roads in order to do their campaigns…President Lungu means well.”
Mr Bwalya joins a growing list of heavy weights backing President Lungu including people like former vice President Enock Kavindele, the Rev Dan Pule, billionaire business man Captain Austin Chewe, President Rupiah Banda and many more.
President Lungu has on the other hand continued his call for peace and a violence free election, a decision opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has arrogantly refused.
Information Minister Dr. Chishimba Kambwili when he addressed a mammoth rally at President’s Park in Kasama today. The Minister is in Northern Province to conduct a series of public rallies to explain government programmes.Chief Government Spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili says it is folly for any opposition political party to claim that the PF Government has failed to deliver development to the people.
Dr Kambwili says the PF government has a vibrant agenda for Zambians which is already bearing fruit.
He says the development of infrastructure across the Country to improve people’s lives is unmatched.
Dr Kambwili said this is the reason why Zambians should give the party another mandate.
Dr Kambwili was speaking when he addressed a rally in Kitwe’s Chimwemwe Constituency to drum up support for PF candidates Mwenya Musenge, Executive Mayor Christoper Ka’ngombe and local government candidates.
He urged the electorates in Kitwe to vote for President Edgar Lungu and PF candidates in the August 11 polls.
And Mr. Musenge has asked Chimwemwe residents to vote for him to ensure that he completes development projects his currently implementing.
The PF says it has done enough ground work to warrant a first round victory in the general election.
And PF deputy chairperson for Elections Kelvin Fube says victory is certain because people have bought into the party’s manifesto.
Mr Fube says the opposition parties are failing to organise people in Northern and other provinces.
He was speaking to ZNBC in an interview in Lusaka.
Minister of Finance Alexander Chikwanda says the modernization of Mpulungu port into an economic hub will help promote free and efficient movements of goods and services.
Mr Chikwanda said this during his tour of Mpulungu port in Northern Province.
He said government is working at improve water transport because it is not only a cheaper form of transport but can also be used as a mode to increase business due to cargo movement across countries within the Great Lakes Region.
And Mpulungu Harbour Corporation Limited Manager Davis Kaluba said the port has already received equipment worth 3.7 million United States dollars for the transformation of the harbour.
Mr Kaluba said that consultants are already in Mpulungu to do detailed engineering designs and feasibility studies at the harbour.
He said the in the next nine months, Mpulungu port will be upgraded to international standards with a passenger terminal.
Mr Kaluba further said Mpulungu Harbour has over the years enjoyed competitive advantage over other ports in the region because of the good road network leading to the port and its proximity to the Tanzania-Zambia Railways -TAZARA.
Tanzania Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) Managing Director Bruno Ching’andu ( in checked shirt) greeting Administrative Officer Juliet Musumba on arrival at Mpika TAZARA Railway Station today. Looking on is Head -Public Relations Conrad Simuchile (second left in blue jessy) Picture by Jonathan Mukuka/ ZANISTHE Tanzania Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) has secured an 18 million letres (18,000 metric tones) order to ferry petroleum products from the port of Dar-es-salaam in Tanzania to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the next one year.
This follows the successful conclusion of an agreement between TAZARA and African Fossils Limited of Tanzania and the first consignment of about one million litres (1,000 metric tones) left the port of Dar-es-salaam yesterday heading to the DRC.
TAZARA Head of Public Relations, Conrad Simuchile disclosed this at Mpika today in an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS).
Mr. Simuchile said his company is confident that the initial two million litres (2,000 metric tones) will be successfully delivered to DRC within the next one month.
“As we consolidate our turnaround mission, we are delighted to announce the conclusion of an Agreement with African Fossils Limited of Tanzania to move 18 million litres (18,000 metric tones) of petroleum products to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the next one year,” said Mr. Simuchile.
Mr. Simuchile said that this import order is particularly key because it fulfills the company’s desire to balance the flow of traffic in both directions of the railway line saying most of the traffic they are currently moving comprises exports from Zambia and DRC.
He said that the fuel order is the second import consignment to be secured within a month, following the transportation order for 48 million litres (48,000 metric tones) of petroleum destined for Malawi.
Mr. Simuchile added that the target for TAZARA for the financial year ending 30 June 2017 is to move 381,000 metric tones of cargo, a three-fold improvement from 130,000 metric tones that they have recently hauled in the just ended 2015/2016 Financial Year.
The TAZARA HPR said that the railway firm is grateful to African Fossils Limited for giving them a vote of confidence through this order, which also reaffirms the faith that customers have generally placed in the Authority.
“We believe we are well on course to turnaround TAZARA’s performance, which had dropped to the lowest in the Financial Year 2014/2015, when a paltry 87,680 metric tones was transported,” He said.
Yesterday, TAZARA Managing Director, Engineer Bruno Ching’andu said his company intends to move about 380,000 tones of cargo on its railway line this financial year.
Engineer Ching’andu disclosed this at Chozi Railway station in Mbala during his continued tour of the stations between Dar-es-salaam in Tanzania and New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia.
Engineer Ching’andu is making his debut visit of all the 94 railway stations on the 1,860 km stretch of the railway line following his appointment on April 25 this year.
The line inspection tour of the TAZARA MD has coincided with the 40th Anniversary of commercial operations in the two sister countries since the Chinese Government handed over the operations on July 14, 1976 to the authority.
Engineer Ching’andu is taking time to talk to the workers encouraging them on the need to work as a team and regain the lost glory.
Engineer Ching’andu says his vision is to regain the lost glory of the railway company that has over the years performed badly, losing a lot of customers in the process.
The TAZARA MD is accompanied by Marketing Manager Evariste Kasumbai, Regional Manager Patrick Shangala, Civil Chiefs Engineer Chomba Chomba, Manager Planning and Corporate Justine Kabela and Head-Public Relations Conrad Simuchile.
Tanzania Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) Managing Director Bruno Ching’andu ( in checked shirt) greeting Administrative Officer Juliet Musumba on arrival at Mpika TAZARA Railway Station today. Looking on is Head -Public Relations Conrad Simuchile (second left in blue jessy) Picture by Jonathan Mukuka/ ZANIS
Tanzania Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) Managing Director, Engineer Bruno Ching’andu has bemoaned the poor state of infrastructure and equipment at various Railway Stations.
Addressing workers at Kasama Railway Station yesterday on his continued tour of all the stations in Tanzania and Zambia, Engineer Ching’andu said he has seen for himself that workers were working under difficult conditions.
Engineer Ching’andu said workers and their families are living in dilapidated housing units, risking their lives, while some equipment and tools being used are also obsolete and require urgent replacement.
He said this scenario can only be changed if all the workers worked together to improve the performance of the railway company.
Engineer Ching’andu said his team has embarked on a vigorous programme to market the company in order to bring more customers to the company.
He said that all the workers should join in the marketing of the company so that they can have more customers and make more money for the company.
Engineer Ching’andu said once the company has started making enough money, it will be very easy to buy various tools, equipment and pay good salaries.
“It is possible to turn round the fortunes of TAZARA but this requires team work and dedication to duty at all levels of the organisation.
He said that communication from station to station for the smooth running of trains is currently bad because workers are depending on mobile providers for effective communication.
Engineer Ching’andu said the plans of the company are to acquire dependable communication gadgets to be used at all the stations on the railway line so as to protect the lives of the travelling public and their goods.
The workers have appealed to the railway company to consider increasing salaries and conditions of service once it starts running effectively and make more money.
And the workers Union at Kasama has appealed to management to consider removing what they called as dormant over time which they said is a drain to the company’s meager resources.
The Union is also worried with the rampant encroachment of TAZARA land and rail strip on the Zambian side which they said it getting out of hand.
TAZARA MD is Engineer Ching’andu is on line tourtour of the stations between Dar-es-salaam in Tanzania and New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia.
Engineer Ching’andu is making his debut visit of all the 94 railway stations on the 1,860 km stretch of the railway line following his appointment on April 25 this year.
The line inspection tour of the TAZARA MD has coincided with the 40th Anniversary of commercial operations in the two sister countries since the Chinese Government handed over the operations on July 14, 1976 to the authority.
Engineer Ching’andu is taking time to talk to the workers encouraging them on the need to work as a team and regain the lost glory.
Engineer Ching’andu says his vision is to regain the lost glory of the railway company that has over the years performed badly, losing a lot of customers in the process.
The TAZARA MD is accompanied by Marketing Manager Evariste Kasumbai, Regional Manager Patrick Shangala, Civil Chiefs Engineer Chomba Chomba, Manager Planning and Corporate Justine Kabela and Head-Public Relations Conrad Simuchile. Tanzania Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) Managing Director Bruno Ching’andu ( in checked shirt) greeting TAZARA workers on arrival at Mpika TAZARA Railway Station today. Picture by Jonathan Mukuka/ ZANIS
Tanzania Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) Managing Director Bruno Ching’andu ( in checked shirt) talking to Regional General Manager Patrick Shangala ( Zambia) on arrival at Mpika TAZARA Railway Station today. Picture by Jonathan Mukuka/ ZANIS
President Edgar Lungu with Chitimukulu at his palace on Sunday – Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba speaking of Kasama District has said that he is disturbed with the growing levels of political violence in the country and calls on all political leaders to take responsibility of this negative vice.
Chief Chitimukulu says the Bemba Royal Establishment is concerned with the growing cases of political violence in the country as the election date draws nearer.
The Traditional leader said this at his palace this morning when President Edgar Lungu paid a courtesy call on him.
He says political violence is a new phenomenon in Zambia and thus the need not to promote it.
He says it seems all youths, because of the high unemployment levels, are employed by political parties to perpetrate violence and wonders if they will remain employed after the polls.
Chief Chitimukulu says it is an obligation of all political parties to empower youths so that they can remain away from political violence.
And the traditional leader has also called on President Lungu to continue developing the area as they are still lagging behind in terms of development.
And President Lungu says he is an innocent person when it comes to perpetrating political violence in the country.
President Lungu says he has never at any time involved in training the so called militia with the view of promoting violence in the country.
Meanwhile, president Lungu has promised the people of Kayambi in Malole Constituency that he will declare Kayambi as a district if re-elected.
Speaking when he addressed a rally at Mambwe Grounds at Senga Hill, President Lungu says some opposition leaders in the country are bitter and that is why they keep on criticizing everything he does.
And Paramount Chief Chitimukulu has called for the re-definition of the roles of chiefs in the country’s national development.
The traditional leader said Chiefs should have defined roles in national development because they are always with the people on the ground.
He said his chiefdom has already started the process by opening up the Lubemba Investments Centre whose offices are in town as part of addressing high poverty levels in rural areas.
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu has revealed that the Centre is planning to open a secondary school to promote the provision of education at a minimal fee.
He said students will proceed to university to be established with a focus on engineering and medicine.
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu adds that Lubemba Investments Centre is also trying to establish a bio-fuel plant in Luwingu among other projects on cards.
The traditional leader also revealed that a local company is investing in fish farming with a daily production capacity of 30 tons while a UK investor is looking at developing a rice farm taking advantage of the available water bodies.
And President Lungu has pledged government’s commitment to supporting development initiatives under the Lubemba Investments Centre.
The Head of State has reiterated his commitment to continue with projects started by late President Michael Sata.
The Head of State said this when he called on Paramount Chief Chitimukulu at his palace in Mungwi District.
Nkana launched the second round of the 2016 FAZ Super Division campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Nkwazi in Sunday’s delayed Week 18 match at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.
Kalampa came from a goal down to overcome a determined Nkwazi side in this tightly contested encounter played in Wusakile.
Despite dominating the opening proceedings of the match, Nkana went 1-0 down when Chishimba Changala beat keeper Scoti Ngokene with a fantastic long range effort against the run of play after 23 minutes .
Earlier in the game Nkwazi keeper Kalaba Chikwanda had kept his side into the game with fine saves.
Kalaba stopped Shadreck Musonda, Simon Bwalya and Freddy Tshimeng from scoring in the 15th,17th and 20th minutes respectively.
However, Simon Bwalya levelled three minutes before the break with a spectacular glancing header from a Dieuego Apanane cross.
Walter Bwalya scored Nkana’s winning goal seven minutes after the break when he beat the Nkwazi erected offside trap before lobbying keeper Kalaba.
Meanwhile, Nkana moves into second place with 34 points, nine behind leaders Zanaco from 18 matches.
Zambian Fourth president Rupiah Banda
Zambia’s Fourth Republican President Rupiah Banda has decided to discontinue the criminal Prosecution of Rainbow President Wynter Kabimba, Post Newspaper Editor in Chief Fred M’membe and the Post Newspaper Limited.
In a statement released to the media, the former president said that he has decided to take this decision in the spirit of preserving peace and unity in Zambia during and after the 11th August Elections.
The Head of state further said that he had freely come to this decision principally because he was acquitted of all criminal charges he was facing before the subordinates courts in Lusaka and that his immunity had be restored.
President Edgar Lungu and Agriculture Minister Given Lubinda celebrting the Lord through Dancing at Kabundi Kapisha UCZ Congregation in Chingola
President Edgar Lungu once again showed enhanced leadership qualities when he signed the Peace Accord at the behest of the Electoral Commission of Zambia on Friday in order to avoid further pre-election violence.
UPND leader, Hakainde Hichilema on the other hand lamentably failed the leadership test when he “contemptuously with scorn, dismissed the ECZ initiative and showed Zambians more clearly, for the first time perhaps, that he lacks a leadership temperament.”
We say this because the initiative of the ECZ was meant to be in more ways than one, a peace contract that would bind the signatories to a peaceful process as our democracy continues to grow.
the amount of scorn and the level of disrespect for the ECZ is very scary and could mean one or two things—either Mr Hichilema is consumed with his own self-importance that he does not see any reason to respect authority or he has decided to continue on a violent that his party has been associated with since the days of the infamous Mapatizya formula.
How else can one explain his deep rooted distaste for peace when the gauntlet was thrown squarely in his face?
That is why we have been cautioning the Zambian electorate that as we approach the crucial Election Day on 11th August, they must choose a tested and humble leadership that has shown that it can also respect authority.
President Lungu is currently the legally elected Head of State, he could have come up with one reason or another to stay away from the ECZ event that came when he actually had a pre-planned programme for the tour of Northern Province.
But because he is a sound lawyer, a sworn leader of the nation, he humbly obliged once again and postponed his trip, setting aside other equally important national tasks and showed commitment to peace by signing the ECZ paper.
We are convinced therefore that Mr Hichilema cherishes violence—not only because of some colourfully violent people in his senior ranks—but because he refused to rise to the occasion and show true commitment to peace via a signature.
The other issue that immediately comes to our minds is that Mr Hichilema, who for all purposes and intent appears to have conceded defeat ahead of the August polls, is in his usual arrogant and contemptuous refusal to sign the peace accord simply ‘Grand-Standing.’
Mr Hichilema will use every opportunity to steal the lime-light starting from prancing around because his cadre is dead of simply insulting the police whom he thinks are morons.
Let us also urge security personnel in Zambia to deny Mr Hichilema and his people a vote on August 11 because after all, “he reckons the police in Zambia is made up of morons.”
Today Mr Hichilema has called the police, “morons” tomorrow he will call the Zambia Airforce (ZAF) morons and the day it will be the army, the Zambia National Service and indeed anyone that does not march up to his self-proclaimed superior intellect.
If he asked for any advice from us, we would tell him one thing: “apologise to the police for calling them morons. These are family people who put in lots of hours to protect the peace we cherish and you can only demoralise them by calling them morons in the face of duty.”
It is this kind of behaviour that exposes Mr Hichilema for whom he really is, a person that embraces violence and respects no one else but himself.
It is also a time like this that we wonder where the vocal NGOCC, Women’s Lobby group and the LAZ are when they are needed the most.
“Why haven’t the NGOCC, LAZ and Women’sLobby remained silent in the face of Hichilema refusing to commit to a peaceful electoral process?”
Mr Hichilema effectively “endorsed violence when he refused to sign a peace accord. Zambians must be wary of a leader that refuses to commit to peace and the UPND leader is one such man.”
President Lungu must once again be commended for walking the walk and talking the talk as far as wanting to have a peaceful election.
President Lungu has continued to show a deep resilience and focus as a tested leader and that is why we keep re-affirming that he needs to win the election so that he can continue leading the nation on a path of peace. Mr Hichilema has pathetically failed as an aspiring leader.
SIGNED: Hon. Given Lubinda, Minister of Agriculture, and Aspiring Parliamentary Candidate for Kabwata Constituency
